Adaptogens for HPA Axis and Cortisol Balance
Adaptogens are herbs that help the body adapt to stress, providing a steadying effect on cortisol levels and supporting adrenal function. These herbs are particularly useful for children with chronic stress, helping balance cortisol during periods of both hyperactivation and hypoactivation.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Ashwagandha is a well-known adaptogen that supports cortisol modulation and adrenal health, providing steady, calming energy without overstimulation. It’s particularly helpful for children who experience highs and lows in their energy levels, helping to promote consistent energy throughout the day. Additionally, Ashwagandha aids in reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality, which is essential for children who may struggle with restful sleep due to stress.
Rhodiola
Known for its energizing effects, Rhodiola helps combat fatigue and enhances mental resilience, especially under stressful conditions. By supporting stable cortisol levels, it helps improve focus, stamina, and overall cognitive function. Rhodiola is particularly useful for children prone to burnout or mental fatigue, as it aids in maintaining mental clarity and reducing the feeling of being overwhelmed.
Holy Basil
Often referred to as “Tulsi,” Holy Basil is celebrated for its calming effects on the nervous system. It lowers cortisol levels and promotes mood stability, helping children achieve a more balanced, less reactive emotional state. Holy Basil also supports mental clarity, making it easier for children to manage emotional responses and maintain a sense of calm focus, especially during challenging or high-stress moments.Dosage Suggestions: Adaptogens are best taken consistently and may be available in tincture, capsule, or powder form. It’s generally advisable to start with a low dose, especially for children, and gradually increase to find the most effective amount.
Blood Sugar Stabilizers for Mood and Energy Balance
Maintaining stable blood sugar is essential for hormone balance, as blood sugar fluctuations can lead to mood swings, irritability, and fatigue. Herbs and nutrients that support balanced glucose levels play a direct role in maintaining steady energy and minimizing emotional ups and downs.
Berberine: This plant compound supports insulin sensitivity, helping to regulate blood sugar levels. Berberine’s effect on glucose control can reduce energy crashes and help stabilize mood swings.
Dietary Tips: Incorporating whole foods, protein, and healthy fats into meals helps slow sugar absorption, providing a steady release of energy and reducing blood sugar spikes.
Sleep and Melatonin Support
Supporting melatonin and calming the nervous system can help improve sleep quality, which is essential for hormonal health and emotional stability.
- Melatonin: In low doses, melatonin supplements can help regulate sleep-wake cycles, especially when anxiety or disruptions interfere with restful sleep. Studies have found that children who receive more than 3mg daily have a increased likelihood of having a delay in puberty.
- Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata): This gentle herb is excellent for promoting relaxation and reducing sleep disturbances. Passionflower’s calming effect on the nervous system can help children ease into sleep, reducing bedtime anxiety.
- Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla): Known for its mild sedative properties, Chamomile is an ideal choice for bedtime to help calm the mind and improve sleep quality.
Liver and Detoxification Support for Hormone Health
The liver plays a central role in processing hormones and eliminating toxins. When the liver is supported, it can better manage hormone levels and help detoxify endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which is especially valuable in managing PANS/PANDAS symptoms.
- Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum): Milk Thistle supports liver health, helping the body clear out toxins and excess hormones. Its protective and regenerative effects make it a valuable addition to hormonal health protocols.
- Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale): Dandelion root promotes bile flow, supporting hormone metabolism and reducing the toxic load on the liver.
- NAC (N-Acetylcysteine): NAC boosts glutathione production, which is essential for liver detoxification. This antioxidant supports liver function and aids in managing oxidative stress that can disrupt hormone balance.
For more about supporting detoxification pathways see Detox Pathways.
Nervous System Calming and Emotional Support
Balancing the nervous system is essential for regulating the HPA axis and stabilizing mood. Calming herbs and supplements help reduce anxiety, ease stress, and improve emotional regulation.
Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)
Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is a calming herb that has long been valued for its ability to ease nervous tension and support emotional balance.
- Eases tension and irritability: Skullcap helps to calm the mind, reducing feelings of frustration or restlessness.
- Supports a balanced mood: By promoting a sense of calm, Skullcap can help to minimize emotional outbursts and improve overall mood stability.
GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)
GABA is a natural calming agent in our brains. It’s the neurotransmitter that helps turn down the volume on stress and creates a sense of balance and calm in the nervous system
- Soothing Anxiety and Stress: GABA helps ease that overactive “fight or flight” response, which means less stress and a greater ability to manage emotions in a calm way.
- Creating Emotional Balance: For children who experience big mood swings or sudden emotional outbursts, GABA can help keep things on a more even keel.
- Supporting Focus and Better Sleep: A calm mind makes it easier to focus during the day and wind down at night. For kids who have trouble falling asleep due to racing thoughts, GABA can help create a more relaxed state, which is essential for deep, restorative sleep.
L-Theanine
L-Theanine is an amino acid found in green tea, famous for promoting a calm, focused state without causing drowsines. L-Theanine encourages the brain to create alpha waves, which are associated with a relaxed but alert state.
- Calm Focus: L-Theanine helps calm the mind while keeping it alert, which is especially useful for kids who might get overstimulated or anxious and struggle with focus as a result.
- Better Stress Resilience: It helps balance stress-related brain chemicals, giving kids a stronger foundation for handling the daily pressures and sensory sensitivities that can easily become overwhelming.